Qatar has provided the spark that ignited Formula 2 championship battle, with Paul Aron winning one race of two on Saturday before sharing victory with Oliver Bearman to keep title hunt alive and leave fans eagerly awaiting final rounds.
Thrilling Formula 2 Weekend Unfolds in Qatar
After months of anticipation and suspense-building races in Qatar, Formula 2 races delivered excitement right down to the last lap. Newcomers made an impression while veterans signed off. Paul Aron stood out with an outstanding performance to claim his maiden win of this series.
Drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar were notably in the limelight, both vying for superiority. Despite their best efforts, the unforgiving nature of racing means only one can emerge victorious, with no room for errors.
Paul Aron Secures His First Series Win
In practice sessions, Aron was untouchable, setting the pace and continuing his dominance into qualifying by securing pole position. Although he faced challenges in the Sprint Race, including a penalty that dropped him down the order, he bounced back in the Feature race. Aron’s resolve saw him overcome an early setback at the start, eventually taking the lead and not looking back.
Just a day after being announced as Alpine’s reserve driver for 2025, Aron’s victory in Qatar sends a clear signal about his ambition and talent.
A Championship Hanging in the Balance
The battle for the championship grew more intense as Isack Hadjar sought to reclaim the lead from Gabriel Bortoleto, with the two separated by a mere half-point as they head into Abu Dhabi.
Despite facing setbacks, both drivers demonstrated resilience, with Hadjar making a significant recovery in the Feature Race to close the gap on Bortoleto. The championship now heads to its thrilling conclusion with everything still to play for.
Mixed Fortunes for Prema Racing
Prema Racing had a weekend of contrasts. Oliver Bearman showcased his competitiveness with a win, whereas Andrea Kimi Antonelli faced challenges, including retirements in both races, highlighting the unpredictable nature of motorsport.
Rookies Make Their Mark in Qatar
Qatar races served as an introduction for rookie drivers Dino Beganovic, John Bennett, Cian Shields and Max Esterson; with Beganovic excelling with an excellent top five finish in the Feature Race.
The Finale Awaits in Abu Dhabi
As the 2024 FIA Formula 2 Championship nears its grand finale in Abu Dhabi, excitement between Bortoleto and Hadjar has reached fever pitch, while Paul Aron remains in contention as an outside chance for winning his third championship crown. On team championship grounds Invicta lead but anything can happen until that final chequered flag drops!